Tears and tributes for Diogo Jota and brother Andre

New Straits Times

03-07-2025

PARIS: Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday along with his brother Andre.
AFP Sports picks out the main reaction to the death of the 28-year-old forward, who helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season:
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"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota." – Club statement.
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"This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre." – Jurgen Klopp, who when he was Liverpool manager signed Jota in 2020.
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"It makes no sense. We were just together with the national team (they won the Nations League title last month), you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." – Cristiano Ronaldo.
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"Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. You meant so much to all of us and you always will. My heart is breaking." – Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
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"The sense of shock is absolute. What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not." – Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
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"My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!" – Basketball legend and Liverpool shareholder LeBron James.
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"The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic." – Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.
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"I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular, but there are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, who will also be shocked by this." – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily." – Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Diogo Jota won 49 senior caps and won the Nations League title twice, most recently last month.
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"Aged just 28, Diogo had enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at FC Penafiel – they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community." – FIFA president Gianni Infantino
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"On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva." – UEFA who added there would be a "moment's silence" prior to Thursday and Friday's women's Euro 2025 matches.
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"They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!" – Diogo Jota's former Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves.
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"We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. You will be truly missed, and always remembered." – Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers where Diogo Jota played from 2017-2020.
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"It's difficult to receive this kind of news and I still can't believe it. An excellent team-mate, friend and, above all, a great father. Thanks for everything my friend, we will always remember you. A hug to the sky. RIP." – Former Wolves team-mate Raul Jimenez, who himself came close to dying after suffering a fractured skull in a clash of heads with David Luiz in November, 2020.
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"There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children." – Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez.
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"Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club." – English Premier League.
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"Porto are in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Rest in peace." – Porto statement, Diogo Jota spent a season there on loan (2016/17) and Andre was a youth player.
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"Atletico de Madrid are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former player of the club, and his brother Andre."